USM raises $130K-plus to support tornado repairs

HATTIESBURG — In just 24 hours, the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation has raised more than $130,000 to support the restoration of the front lawn of the university’s Hattiesburg campus that was heavily damaged by the Feb. 10 tornado.

The Hattiesburg-American reports the foundation used the university’s social media platforms last Wednesday to encourage alumni, family and friends to make a gift to the Southern Miss Campus Beautification Campaign. The total amount raised — $130,234.46 — represents 374 gifts from donors in 37 states and the country of Barbados.

Megan Burkes, who manages annual giving and special projects for the foundation, thanked supporters and said the foundation will continue to raise money to assist in funding the $3 million landscape restoration plan.